Golf club



Jan. 12, 1937. w. WETTLAUFEIQ 2,067,556

' GOLF- CLUB Filed Oct. 29, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet l v Q v I1? 1/ e71 Z0 r" William L. Maztlau r Jan. 12, 1937.

w. 1.. WETTLAUFER GOLF CLUB Filed Oct. 29, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 In uen 502 William L. kieillaufer Jan. 12:, 1937. w. L. WETTLAUFER I 2,057,556

' GOLF CLUB Filed Oct. 29, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 39' W 4% l am I flh or'fiey Jan. 12, 1937. w A ER 2,067,556

GOLF CLUB Filed Oct. 29, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 m l .5 r 4 ,1,

I11 (/67? Z07 William L. Wefilaufer b y W'M, pom

Patented Jan. 12, 1937 UNH'ED STATES PATENT oFFicE This invention relates to improvements in golf clubs.

The principal object is to provide a club which may be adapted to the style of the particular individual, this object contemplating a club which is adjustable to compensate for traits which may be peculiar to the style of such individual and which, if a standard club were employed, would result in a faulty shot such as, for example, a hook or a slice. v

The invention is'illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through the head of a club in which the features of the invention are incorporated, the shaft being shown at the forward limit of its range of adjustment.

Figure 2 is a similar section, the shaft in this case being shown at the rearward limit of its range of adjustment.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the club head.

Figure 41s a section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a section taken along line 55 of Figure 3.

Figures 6 through 9, inclusive, are diagrammatic views illustrating various of the positions to which the club shaft may be adjusted.

Figure 10 is a view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of a club of the iron type in which features of the invention are embodied.

Figures 11 and 12 are detail sections taken along lines llll and l2l2, respectively, of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of the shank or hosel of the club.

. Figure 14 is a'fragmentary view of the lower end of the club shaft. 1

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 10 illustrating a modified form of joint for connecting the shaft and club head in their various positions of adjustment.

Figure 16 is a section through the shank or hosel of the club and is taken along line Iii-46 of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a side elevation of a wood" club illustrating a further modification of the joint connecting the club head and the shaft.

Figure 18 is a longitudinal section through the head of the said club, the shaft being shown at its forward position of adjustment.

Figure 19 is a similar section, the shaft in this case being shown at its rearmost position of adjustment.

Figure 20 is a' section taken along line 20-40 of Figure 19, the shaft being shown adjusted to a position which is at right angles to the position shown in'Figure 19.

The features of the invention are applicable to clubs of various types, those illustrated being by way of example only.

The club head I, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, is of the wood type and it is carried by a shaft 2. The latter is preferably formed of a steel tube and is secured in the shank 3 of the club by a pin 4. The head I is preferably formed with a plurality of ducts 5, 6, 1, 8, 9, and In which are arranged in a series around the marginal edge of the head, the said ducts extending upwardly toward the top of the head and being inclined in the general direction of the side walls thereof, as best shown in Figure 5. Each of the ducts accommodates a body of mercury H, the amount of mercury in the various ducts being predetermined to increase the weight of the head to the extent desired and at the same time effect a predetermined distribution of the weight of the head. The ducts enter the head from the sole, ducts 5 and 6 being formed in the heel, duct 1 being formed behind and midway between the. terminal portions of the striking face and ducts 8, 9 and 10 being formed in the toe. The said ducts are closed by wooden plugs l2 which are suitably secured in position after the proper amount of mercury has been introduced into them. If, as illustrated, the head I includes a sole plate l3, the latter may be secured to the club by screws 14 which are screwed into the plugs l2.

In accordance with the invention means is provided whereby the shaft 2 may be adjusted relative to the center of gravity of the club head. To

this end the shank 3 is formed with a slightly tapered spindle 15 which fits in a socket l6 formed in the club head in the vicinity of the heel. The axis of the shaft 2 is offsetwith respect to the axis of the spindle 15. A rotary movement of the shank upon' the latter will, therefore, cause the shaft to move through a circular path, the diameter of such path depending, of course, upon the eccentricity of the shaft. Preferably the axes of the shaft and spindle are parallel in order that the shaft will traverse substantially the same circular path throughout its length, it being understood, of course, that the axes of the shaft and spindle may, ifdesired, be inclined with respect to one another so that the path described by the upper end of the shaft will be correspondingly greater than that described by the lower end. In the embodiment illustrated the spindle I5 is located between the mercury ducts 5 and 6, the path along which the lower end of the shaft 2 may be adjusted being indicated at H (Figures 6 through 9, inclusive). In its adjustment along the'path I! the shaft 2 is movable toward the toe of the club to a position (Figure 6) in which it is located well within the series of mercury ducts and forward of the ducts 5 and 6; it is movable toward the heel of the club to a position (Figure 7) in which it is located outside the series of mercury ducts and to the rear of the ducts 5 and 6;

it is movable toward the rear side of the head to a position (Figure 8) in which it is located just within the series of mercury ducts and in the vicinity of the duct 6; and it is movable toward the striking face of the club to a position (Figure 9) in which it extends slightly beyond the series of mercury ducts and partially overlies theduct 5.

The positions described are the limits of adjustment in the direction of the toe, heel, rear and front sides of the club head. Obviously the shaft may be adjusted to intermediate positions along the path l1; certain of such positions being indicated in dotted lines.

In order that the shaft 2 may be locked in any one of the various positions to which it may be adjusted the shank 3 (Figure 1) is formed witha tapered flange I8 which fits over'the tapered neck IQ of the club head, the said flange being formed with an annular series of rounded ribs 20 which fit in a corresponding series of conforming recesses 2| which are formed in the neck l9. When the flange l8 fits over the neck l9 as: illustrated, the ribs 20 hold the shank 3 (and hence which are wholly outside .the said area.

the shaft 2) and the club head against relative angular movement, the said parts being held in such relation by a threaded element 22 which is carried by a partition 23 and which screws into a threaded opening formed in the spindle IS. The head of the element 22 is preferably countersunk as shown, the sole plate I3 being cut away to provideaccess to the said head. When it is desired to change the position of the shaft 2, the threaded element 22 is loosened to such an extent that the ribs of the flange l8 may be withdrawn from the cooperating recesses in the neck 19. Thereafter the club head may be turned relatively to the shaft 2 until the new position is reached. The parts may then be locked in the new position by retightening the threaded element 22, it being noted that as the spindle l5 has a tapered fit in the socket N5, the shank and club head are not only held against relative angular movement but are also held against relative movement in other directions.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the shaft 2 may be adjusted to occupy various positions within the area defined by the series of mercury ducts and to various other positions The construction described, therefore, has the advantage that after mercury of the necessary amount is proportioned in the various ducts to obtain the desired weight distribution, the shaft the particular individual, these factors being' variable, as occasion may require.

'The adjustment of the shaft withrespect to the center of gravity of the club head has the further 'advantage'that the club may be adapted to compensate for various traits which may be peculiar to the particular individual. For example, certain golfers exhibit a marked tendency to hook the ball. A hooked" shot, of course,'results when the club head moves ahead of the players hands during the downward swing of the club. Such a tendency may be compensated by moving the club head rearwardly (away from the ball) reladuced by moving the shaft 2 relatively to the club head in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. On the other hand certain players exhibit a tendency to slice the ball. Such a shot, of course, results when the player's hands move ahead of the club head during the downward swing of the club. The tendency to slice the ball may; therefore, be counteracted by moving the club head ahead (toward the ball) relatively 'to the shaft. In other words, the distance which must be traversed by the club head before it impacts with the ball is decreased while the distance traversed by the shaft remains substantially the same, the distance which the club head is moved ahead depending upon the degree of slice to be compensated. In Figure 8 the club head is moved ahead the full limit of its range of movement and hence the distance traversed by it is reduced substantially, it being noted that such distance may be increased by moving the shaft 2 relatively to the club head in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

'I'heshaft 2 may also be adjusted to compensate for a tendency to strike the ball too near either the toe or the heel of the head. In Figure 7 the shaft 2 is adjusted so that the club head is moved its full limit away from the player, the adjustment of the shaft toward the heel of the club head serving to counteract the tendency of a player to strike the ball too near the toe of the club. When it is desired to-counteract a tendency to strike the ball too near the heel of the club the shaft 2 is moved toward the toe, the

shaft being indicated in Figure 6 at the limit of its range of movement in this direction.

As illustrated, and preferred, the shank 3 is formed to conceal the offset relation between the shaft 2 and the spindle IS in order that the club will have substantially the same general appearance in the various positions of adjustment of the shaft 2. To this end the wall of the shank 3 decreases in thickness in the direction of the offset as indicated at 25 (Figures 1 and 2) and increases in thickness in the direction of that portion of the shank opposite the offset as indicated at 26, the intermediate portions of the shank joining with the thin and thick portions to provide a conical base which, to outward appearances, is of a substantially symmetrical outline.

' The features of the invention are illustrated in Figure 10 in connection with a club of the iron type.

The said club includes a head 21, the striking face of which is scored in conventional manner.

The head includes an integral shank 28 which is formed to provide a socket 28.

The club shaft which is indicated at 30 is preferably a steel tube and is formed to provide an offset extension 3| which fits in the socket 29, the said extension carrying a pin 32 which projects beyond its opposite sides to provide lugs 33. The latter cooperate with four bayonet slots 34 which are preferably arranged in pairs so that a line through one of said pairs will be at right angles with a line through the companion pair. The head 21 is inserted in the socket 29 so that the lugs 33 will enter a pair of the slots 34, the shaftthen being turned to cause the lugs to enter the angularly inclined portions 34a (Figure 13) of thesaid slots. The socket 29 and extension 3| are preferably tapered slightly so that as the lugs move into the angularly inclined portions of the slots the extension is wedged tightly in the socket. The angularly inclined portions 34a of the slots are so formed that impact of the club head with a ball will tend to rotate the said head in the same direction that it is moved to lock the parts together, it being noted that the said slots are of a length great enough to compensate for wearing of the said parts.

It will be apparent that the extension may be locked in two positions, 180 apart, in each pair of the slots 34. The four slots, therefore, provide four locking positions which, in the embodiment illustrated, are 90 apart, the slots preferably being so located that the positions in which the shaft may be locked correspond to the fullline positions shown in Figures 6 to 9. Preferably the axis of the extension 3| is parallel with that of the shaft body in order that the shaft body will traverse the, same path substantially throughout its length during adjustment of the extension 3| in the socket 29, although it is to be understood that the axis of the extension may be inclined with respect to that of the shaft body if this is desired.

The construction described, although not limited to use in connection with clubs of the iron type, is especially adapted to this type of club. As theeccentric connection between the club head and the shaft is provided by a portion of the shaft itself, the construction is simple and the resulting compact joint lends itself to advantage to the smaller iron heads. Preferably the bend connecting the shaft body and the offset extension is concealed by a skirt 35 which is adjustable to accommodate the shaft in the various positions to which it may be adjusted.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15 the club is also of the iron type. The head 36 thereof includes an integral shank 31 which is of a tubular cross-section. An adapter sleeve38 is suitably secured in the shank 31, the said sleeve providing a socket 39 which is of rectangular cross-section. The shaft 40 of the club is formed with an' offset extension 4| which fits in the socket 39, the cross-section of the extension conforming to that of the socket, whereby the extension is locked against angular movement in the socket. A flange 42 which is formed or pro vided upon the extension 4| fits in the open end of the shank 31 and is secured against the end of the sleeve 38 by a nut 43 which is screwed upon to lock the parts in the new position. Preferably the four positions of adjustment of the shaft-40 correspond to the full-line positions illustrated in Figures 6 to 9. The bend connecting the offset and body portions of the shaft is preferably concealed by a skirt 44 which fits against the nut 43 and which is adjustable to accommodate the various positions of adjustment of the shaft 40.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 to 20 the club is of the wood type and" provision is made for weighting and balancing the head 45 thereof in the manner described in connection with Figure 1, the mercury ducts which are provided for this purpose being indicated at 46. A series of bores 41, 48, 49, and 50 is formed in the heel portion of the club, the said bores extending angularly toward the sole to provide a plurality of sockets. The shaft which is indicated at may be inserted in any one of the sockets, the latter being so located that the positions to which the shaft may be adjusted correspond to the fullline positions illustrated in Figures 6 to 9. The end of the shaft is slightly tapered, as are the bores. The shaft, therefore, will fit tightly within the bores. The shaft is secured in the desired bore by a screw 53 which passes through a suitable opening in the shaft to enter the wood portion of the club head. The club also includes a removable shank 54 which cooperates with the club head in the various positions to which the.

shaft may be adjusted to conceal the bores which are not in use and to preserve the general appearance of the club. The shank 54 may be of rubber or any other suitable material. It carries a tubular element 55 which is adapted to enter and fit tightly within one of the bores which is not occupied by the shaft thereby to lock the head against angular movement upon the shaft. The club head may, if desired, be reinforced by metal sleeves 56 which may be suitably secured in one all or more of the bores 41, 4B, 49, and 50. In Figure 1 18 the shaft 5| occupies the bore 49 while the tubular element 55 occupies the bore 41. Preferably the parts are so formed that when the shaft 5| is adjusted to this position a line through its axis will pass through the sole of the club head directly behind the central portion of the striking face. In Figure 20 the shaft is adjusted to move the club head away from the body of the player, the shaft 5! in this case occupying the bore 41 while the tubular element 55 occupies the bore 49. When adjusted to this position a line along the axis of the shaft will, as indicated, pass through the heel of the club.,

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the clubs illustrated in the various embodiments are characterized by a shaft which is adjustable laterally with respect to the center of gravity of the head. When the head, therefore, is weighted as illustrated in certain of the embodiments, the shaft is adjustable to correct the balance of the club in accordance with the weight distribution and thereby adapt the club to the particular individual. The adjustability of the shaft in the manner described has the further advantage that the club may be adapted to compensate for those traits which are peculiar tothe particular individual. For example, the shaft may be adjusted to compensate for a tendency to hook or slice the ball. Likewise it may be adjusted to compensate for a tendency to strike the ball too close to either the heel or the toe of the club. As the club, therefore, can be adapted to the style of the particular individual, the necessity of such individual having to adapt himself to the club is avoided.

' justed toward and away from the plane of said striking face while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination and means for se- "curing'said shaft and head against relative an- .gular movement in the various positions to which .said shaft may be adjusted.

2. The combination with the head and shaft of a golf club, said head having a striking face, of means whereby said shaft-may be rotatably adjusted to anyone of a plurality of positions which lie in a circular path while retaining sub.- stantially its original angle of inclination and means forsecuring said shaft and head against relative angular movement in' the various posi-- tions to which said shaft may be adjusted.

3. The combinationwith the head and shaft of a golf club, said head having a striking face and being formed with a socket, of an adapter for connecting said head and shaft, said adapter being formed with an extension whose axis is offset with respect to the axis of said shaft and which is rotatably adjustable in said socket,

whereby said shaft may be adjusted toward and away from the plane of said striking face while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination and meansfor securing said shaft and head against relative angular movement in the various positions to which said shaft may be adjusted.

4. The combination with the head and shaft of a golf club, said head having a striking face and. being formed with a socket, of an adapterfor connecting said head and shaft, said adapter being formed with an extension whose axis is offset with respect to the axis of said shaft and which is rotatably adjustable in said socket, whereby said shaft'may be adjusted to any one of various, positions which lie in a circular path while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination, means for concealing the eccentricity of said extension and means for se- 4 and being formed with a socket, said shaft being formed with an extension whose axis is offset with respect to the axis of said shaft and which is rotatably adjustable in said socket, whereby said shaft may be adjusted to any one of various positions which lie in a circular path while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination, of means for securing said head and shaft against relative angular movement in the various positions to which said shaft may be adjusted.

. 6. The combination with the head and shaft of a golf club, said head having a striking face and a shank and being formed with a socket,- said shaft being formed with an extension whose,

7. The combination with the head and shaft.

of a golf club, said head having a striking face and a shank and being formed with a multisided socket, said shaft being formed with a multi-sided extension whose axis is offset with respect to the axis of said shaft and which is adjustable in said socket, whereby said shaft may be adjusted to any one of a plurality of predeterminedpositions which lie in a circular path while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination, of a removable element for holding the offset end of said shaft in said socket in each of said predetermined positions.

8. The combination with the head and shaft of a golf club, said head having a striking face and being formed with a plurality of bores, each of which is adapted to provide a socket for said shaft, whereby said shaft may be adjusted toward and away from the plane of said striking Y face while retaining substantially its original angle of inclination and means for securing said shaft and head against relative angular movement in the various bores to which said shaft may be moved. I i.

' WILLIAM L. WETTLAUFER. 

